The Mediterranean diet has grown in popularity as a sustainable way to lose weight and prevent various health risks that are the leading causes of death in developed nations. Dr. Josh Axe, a well-known clinical nutritionist, even published a blog to illustrate the good effects of the Mediterranean diet.
Below are the benefits as told by Dr. Axe and they’re all good reasons why the Mediterranean diet is worth looking into.
8 Good Effects of the Mediterranean Diet
1. Less sugar and processed foods
Those who shun sugar and processed foods would probably be glad to hear that the Mediterranean diet is also not a fan of those two things. Compared to the American diet, the Mediterranean diet is low in sugar and free of preservatives, flavor enhancers, and other artificial ingredients or GMOs. This is because the diet heavily relies on natural ingredients, such as fruits, vegetables, olive oil, and organic animal products.
2. Promotes healthy weight loss
If you want to shed some weight and keep the extra pounds off, the Mediterranean diet is worth a shot. It lets you lose weight not by starving you, but by naturally reducing fat intake and bringing in nutrient-dense foods.
The Mediterranean diet focuses on the consumption of high-quality protein foods, like seafood, dairy products, and free-range meats which boast of healthy fatty acids that can help you feel full, improve your energy levels, and maintain a good weight. Plus, since it’s also a no-deprivation kind of diet, it’s realistic enough to be sustainable.
3. Boosts heart health
The Mediterranean diet is filled with olive oil, omega-3 foods, and monounsaturated fats which are all linked to reduced risks of heart disease. Several studies even found that the Mediterranean diet can significantly decrease the risk of cardiac death by 30%.
4. Helps protect against cancer
A plant-based diet, like the Mediterranean diet, provides plenty of antioxidants, fights against DNA damage, stops cell mutation, reduces inflammation, and slows down tumor growth.
5. Fights diabetes
As a low-sugar diet, the Mediterranean diet encourages the consumption of healthy fats and fresh produce, which is a natural way to control excess insulin. Insulin is what regulates blood sugar levels, and it can be kept in check by sticking to a balanced diet that lets the body burn fat and provide energy more efficiently.
6. Improves your mood and helps preserve cognitive health
Healthy fats such as nuts and olive oil are famous for countering cognitive decline caused by aging. Yogurt, kefir, and other probiotic foods also promote a healthy gut, which studies have shown to be linked with memory, mood, and cognitive function.
7. Possibly helps you live longer
Monounsaturated fat, which is the main fat source of the Mediterranean diet, has been associated with lower risks of cancer, heart disease, depression, and Alzheimer’s disease—all top causes of death in developed countries.
8. Relaxes and relieves stress
People in the Mediterranean are generally happy and fond of taking their time when it comes to enjoying food. This kind of lifestyle allows for socialization and we all know that spending good times with good people is one sure way to lift our moods and relieve stress.
If you’re still not sure whether to give the Mediterranean diet a chance or not, visit HummusBowls for lunch or dinner and let our good food do the talking. Aside from Henderson, we also have branches conveniently located in Summerlin and Spring Valley, so if you happen to be in Las Vegas and the craving for tasty Mediterranean food hits, you’ll have no trouble finding us
